India marks 69th Republic Day

India on Friday celebrated 69th Republic Day to mark the anniversary of its national constitution taking effect. Marching bands, floats, camels and stunt performers on motorbikes were paraded from the president’s palace through the tree-lined roads of central Delhi. Flags of the Southeast Asian group of countries also fluttered at the 90-minute parade. The celebrations also included aerial displays and floats from Indian states. India’s Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950. Leaders from Vietnam, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia were invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-India ties.